16652, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 16652, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.34 percent of the residents in 16652 has some form of health insurance. 39.58 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.12 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase. Military veterans should know that percent of the residents in the ZIP Code of 16652 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,860 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16652. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,086 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 594 health care providers accessible to residents in 16652, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Huntingdon, PA (ZIP Code 16652)

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of arthritis care within Huntingdon, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16652), focusing on primary care access, physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide an "Arthritis Score" assessment, considering the specific needs of individuals managing arthritis. The assessment is based on publicly available data, healthcare provider websites, and general industry trends.

Huntingdon County, and specifically the 16652 ZIP code, is largely rural. This geographic reality significantly impacts healthcare access. The availability of specialized medical services, including rheumatology, is often limited in rural areas, creating a reliance on primary care physicians (PCPs) for initial diagnosis, management, and referral. Therefore, the strength of the primary care network becomes a critical factor in our arthritis score.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a crucial indicator of accessibility. National averages for primary care physicians often fall short in rural areas. A lower ratio suggests a potential for longer wait times for appointments and a greater burden on existing PCPs. Data suggests that the physician-to-patient ratio in Huntingdon County may be lower than the national average, potentially indicating a challenge for residents seeking timely access to primary care. This, in turn, impacts the initial assessment and management of arthritis.

Examining the practices within the 16652 ZIP code, it's important to identify standout practices. These practices are those that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, including proactive arthritis screening, early intervention strategies, and comprehensive management plans. The presence of dedicated care coordinators, nurses with specialized training in arthritis management, and readily available patient education materials would be highly valued. The ability to demonstrate a collaborative approach, involving physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other specialists, further strengthens a practice's standing.

Telemedicine adoption is a critical component of modern healthcare, especially in geographically isolated areas. The ability to offer virtual consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education can significantly improve access to care. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering secure video conferencing and remote monitoring capabilities, receive a higher score in our assessment. This is particularly important for arthritis patients who may have mobility limitations or transportation challenges.

The integration of mental health resources is also a vital consideration. Arthritis can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. Practices that recognize this connection and offer integrated mental health services, either through in-house therapists or referrals to mental health professionals, are considered to be providing more holistic care. The availability of support groups and educational programs focused on managing the psychological impact of arthritis also contributes positively to the score.

Primary care availability in Huntingdon is the cornerstone of our arthritis score. The number of PCPs accepting new patients, the average wait times for appointments, and the availability of after-hours care are all important factors. Practices that offer extended hours, weekend appointments, and on-call physicians demonstrate a greater commitment to patient accessibility. Furthermore, the ability to provide same-day appointments for urgent needs is a significant advantage.

The quality of care is also assessed based on the practice's adherence to established guidelines for arthritis management. This includes the use of evidence-based treatments, the regular monitoring of disease activity, and the proactive management of potential complications. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data, facilitate communication, and support clinical decision-making are also viewed favorably.

The level of patient education is another important factor. Practices that provide patients with comprehensive information about their condition, treatment options, and self-management strategies are better equipped to empower patients to take an active role in their care. This includes providing access to educational materials, online resources, and support groups.

Looking at the specific practices within the 16652 ZIP code, the analysis attempts to identify those that excel in these areas. This requires a review of practice websites, patient reviews, and publicly available data. The goal is to highlight practices that offer a comprehensive and patient-centered approach to arthritis care.

The overall "Arthritis Score" for Huntingdon, PA (16652) is influenced by several factors. The limited availability of rheumatologists necessitates a strong reliance on primary care. The physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources all contribute to the score. The commitment of individual practices to patient-centered care, including proactive screening, early intervention, and comprehensive management plans, also plays a crucial role.

The analysis suggests that while the area has dedicated PCPs, challenges exist in terms of access to specialized care and the integration of certain healthcare technologies. The rural nature of the area presents unique challenges that require innovative solutions to ensure equitable access to quality arthritis care.

The assessment is dynamic, and the score can change over time as practices adapt to evolving healthcare trends. Regular monitoring and updates are essential to ensure that the analysis remains relevant and informative.

To gain a more detailed understanding of the healthcare landscape in Huntingdon, PA (16652), including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to resources, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide interactive visualizations of healthcare data, allowing you to explore the availability of services and identify the best options for your needs.